Planner Review - Sue Hooley/2015 Daily Planner

This easy-to-use Daily Planner is designed especially for homemakers. 

As a mother of six, Sue has learned that her day can seldom be scheduled the same as the previous day.  She can't fit every task of her day into the time slots offered in other planners. Her 2015 Daily Planner is versatile and it helps a homemaker to organize her days and duties effectively.

Features include: 

• Two-page Weekly layout with menu planning and to-do list
• Two-page Month layout
• Year Calendars with place for notations
• Perforated Shopping Lists
• Tasks Lists and Projects & Events Sections
• Information Section

 My Review:  From the lush floral, rustic portrait on the front cover of the daily planners, I was hooked immediately. Opening the cover to reveal the beauty inside just confirmed what I already knew - this planner is magnificent.  The inclusion of a scripture right way gives strength, solace and comfort in knowing that each day we are presented with is a gift.

I'm a busy mom!  I have a husband, 4 kids, and some super hectic schedules to juggle.  This planner is just the tool I need to keep me organized and efficient!

There are lots of planners.  But this one?  It's unique and bold and really pretty to look at ♥   In this day and age, people use electronic gadgets and phones.  But I'm old school - I like the tactile feel of an object, writing it down, recording it for memory and always being able to look back on something tangible that will be around long after the 'electronic gadgets' have broken and been replaced.  I like to write things down and record them to have for years from now, especially if inherited by my children.
The top three things among the many that stood out for me with this planner:

~ The flip tabs on the side for easy opening to the correct place each time.
The pages have small 'dog-earred' corners for you to remember the places that might be a most visited pages.

~It's truly beautiful.  Flip to any page at random and you'll find an inspiring scripture or an insightful quote.

~ The boxes to right in are big enough for several things in the busy schedule, including the menu for the day!

This will be one of my treasured items to carry within the new upcoming year!

You can find this planner and information about the author on her website.
Please check it out here! 
http://www.homemakersfriend.com/



Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  
 

Book Review: Everyday Uplifting You

 

 

Book Jacket:  What started out as a tool to bless and encourage an aunt quickly became an idea to bless as many people all over the world as possible. Everyday Uplifting you, is a book filled with daily nuggets to jumpstart your day. After watching an aunt broken due to the many obstacles she had been facing, Val decided to do something special for her and started writing nuggets for each day to show her aunt how much she is loved and remind her of the blessing that she is. The book is designed to bless, motivate, uplift and challenge you with powerful nuggets to empower you from the inside out. 

 

My Review:  Val Knowles' lovely book on daily blessings is a breath of fresh air!  I received a ebook version of this book and it's beauty sprang forth as I moved through each page and imagine a print copy of this book would be even more breathtaking.  The graphics are soothing and serene, beautifully photographed to match each coordinating month and date.

 

If you read it all on one day, like I did (for review purposes!), it's a short but moving read at just 62 pages.  I recommend the reader take one's time to go through this as intended,

month by month, blessing by blessing.  It was refreshing to look ahead at my birthday, and the birthday of my children and husbands as each day is highlighted by a passage, uplifting words and blessing. 

 

There is no doubt, Ms. Knowles was meant to write!  She has a gift with words and her poetic flowing of verse on paper is one to do exactly what she offers:  Uplift.  Each of us has a struggle within, no matter how large or small.  Each of us can be blessed in some way, prayed for, and pray for others.  Sometimes it's easy to get stuck on what to say,

or even knowing what's in your heart.  This is an incredible tool to open and read and remind each of us that there is the greater of goodness waiting and that God's blessings were already there!

 

 



Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  
 

  

Author Bio:Val Newton Knowles was born in the beautiful island of Nassau, in the Bahamas. She is a passionate about helping people. Val's new book, "Everyday Uplifting you," is now available. Val started writing daily nuggets to encourage an aunt who had been going through some challenges, the book was such a blessing, that she decided to make it available as an encouragement for others. Val seeks to uplift, motivate and encourage to be the best they can and never allow failure to cause them too give up.



Book Review: Place in Purpose

 

Place in Purpose by Kathryn C. Lang is a self-help style book designed to share with you the author's view on your place in this world and the plans God has for you on this earth.  She presents it in a matter of fact style of writing in a Who, What, Where, When, Why manner.  Her message overall is always a good one to hear if you are coveting a Christian point of view. It covers such topics like your relationship with God, nurturing the soul, and fellowship with others, just to name a few.  The author invites you to ask yourself:  "Do you know why you are here on this earth?  What will you do with your gifts once you realize what they are?" 

Humbly, this book fell way short for me.  While I think the author has some good points made in her book, this book doesn't answer those questions.  As I turned each page and went towards a new chapter, the writing appeared rambled and sentences jumped mid-stream. I hoped for something more concrete.  I appreciate the insight of her thoughts and interjection of quotes or stories related to her points of view, but the writing style is just too confusing and resembled more the style of a research paper rather than chapters that flow with conducive thought. 

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

 

You can read more about the author here:

http://www.kathrynlang.com/

 

  

Book Review: Queen of Persia

***Esther Queen of Persia is a Foreword Reviews Journal Finalist

 for the 2013 Book of the Year Awards

 in the Religious Fiction category. *****

 

Esther Queen of Persia by: Jim Baumgardner

Hadassah, the beautiful, Jewish teenager from the city of Susa in Persia, is taken by force to the palace of King Ahasuerus. His command to find the most beautiful virgins in his kingdom, and bring them to the house of women, has placed Hadassah under the supervision of Hegai, the king's custodian of women. Hegai and his servants, have one year to prepare each virgin for one night with the king. Although Hadassah was taken from her home by force, she refuses to become bitter. She accepts being called Esther, but inside remains always, Hadassah. She continually wonders why she is there, yet remains faithful to her God, and to her identity. It is years before the answer is revealed. Her people face annihilation, and it falls upon her shoulders to stop it. Her first thought is to shirk her duty, but Mordecai, her cousin, will not allow it. His words, '"Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"' brings her to her senses.

Unlike many of the novels written about Esther, this book seeks to remain true to the Biblical account, while supplying additional historical information from the time period 486-473 B.C. The book has a five page Introduction, which gives insight into some of the things found in the story. It has a page, listing the months of the Jewish sacred calendar and the corresponding month of our modern calendar. Also in the back of the book is a listing of Scriptures mentioned in each chapter, along with a listing of works consulted in research for Esther Queen of Persia.

My Review:   Lush with detail and a story line that flows well, Esther Queen of Persia is a beautifully written book that captivates the reader from the very first pages.  Jim Baumgardner's writing style is flawless.  This book is rich in biblical exploration and history and told in an easy to understand form.  It flows, it captivates, it tells a story you will not want to put down.  Each character is so beautifully portrayed that you feel as if you are walking in the times of this story, hearing them speak and living as they lived.  It's simply magnificent. 

Esther Queen of Persia is told from different points of view,  from Esther to Mordecai, her uncle (or cousin - that's a bit unclear)  She is told by Mordecai to hide her Jewish faith and her name is changed by the King's court from Hadassah to Esther.  She tells of her abduction and preparation to be married to the King and the relationships she develops along the way.  Her peaceful manner, character and beauty not only surprise all who meet her in her captivity, but they come to respect her.  She remains faithful to her faith in God despite being taken from her home and placed into a situation she didn't ask for.  She's dutiful, modest, kind, steadfast in her faith and the King is immediately smitten.  The author also tells us of the journey of her cousin from her homeland, Mordecai, who makes it his mission to find her and remind of her duty to her Jewish people. 

If you are not familiar with the passages of Esther biblically, you will by the time you close the covers of this book. Its' a wonderful adaptation of the story of Esther, her plit and her time married to a King who would do so much to make her as happy as she makes him.

It's a wonderful reminder in times of trial where faith stands strong and prevails.  One of THE finest books I've had the priviledge to read.

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  
 

Reviewed by:  Kelly Santi

About the Author:

  

Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, Jim Baumgardner resides quite literally on the old Chisholm Trail that ran from the Red River, north through Indian Territory, to the cattle towns of Kansas. Wichita is one of the original cow towns of the old west, and Jim helps keep that history alive by volunteering at the Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita. His volunteer work extends both into schools and homeschool groups where he gives various programs on writing, the Underground Railroad, cowboys and trail drives, and early Wichita history.

Although Jim's roots sink deep into Kansas, his family's early beginnings were in Western Ohio where his great, great grandparents, John and Elizabeth were married in 1856. In 1879 their son, John Jr., left Ohio for the life of a Kansas ranch hand and cowboy. John Jr.'s son, James, after whom the author is named, followed the same course by working the land and raising cattle. Commenting on the Baumgardners Jim stated: "I'm proud of my German heritage and the work ethic passed on to me by my father and grandfathers. I come from a long line of storytellers, and it has always been fun trying to figure where the truth left off and the fiction began."

Around age ten Jim began writing poems and songs. After reading some of Jim's work, his father encouraged him to continue his writing. At nineteen he had his first article printed in a magazine. Forty years later at age fifty-nine his first novel, Sarah's Wish, was published.

Mr. Baumgardner continues to reside in Wichita where he loves to stroll the dusty streets of Old Cowtown. It is there he can walk back into the Nineteenth Century and for a short time catch a glimpse of life as experienced by his grandfathers. It becomes a time to remember his roots, glean new story ideas, and never forget the hard working pioneers who contributed so much to the making of America.

 

Book Review: So Much the Better

So much the Better by Megan Means is a quiet, quick read - just 80 little pages with one powerful message to share.  This book details the life of Ari, a lion cub, separated from his mother, his lands, the very pride he was born into when the Dark Winds sweep down upon them.  When he awakes, he's alone, scared, hungry and confused and far away from the rest of the pride.  He is quickly befriended by numerous animals in his quest to find his way  home - from a singing bird Shirarina, Eliezer the eagle, Gamzo the fox just to name a few.  This book is not just about the journey to find home, it's about the journey within and relationships that form who we are along the way.

While this book is not astounding, it's charming in it's own right.  The author is wonderfully descriptive in her writing style and offers the reader a unique writing style, weaving a tale of courage and hope in a colorful, descriptive manner.  Her characters in this book come to life.  She scatters through-out the novel words of encouragement like putting aside differences and coming together to live peacefully as one.  It does get repetitious at times, especially in the instances that Ari meets a new character.  However, there is a refreshing scripture in the book from Ecclesiastes that states "He who keeps gladness in his heart remains strong" and that's the theme I took away from this book.

I think this book is better suited for the middle, possibly high school age levels.  There is a good message to learn and take away from it in that we should all learn to work together towards peace for all.  I found it interesting that she was able to take situations that many teens could be going through in their daily life and wrap it into the characters of animals with the message still being strongly one of peace and harmony. 

 

Book review by:  Kelly Santi

You can read more about the author here:Author Bio: Megan Means  has a passion for children's literacy and wants every child to have a love for books and reading. Megan desires to inspire children to become their best selves and to be leaders who make a positive difference in the lives of those around them. Megan's fondest memories are of the years when she home-schooled her children and the many adventures they had along the way. Today, she continues to write and would like to create a sequel to her story "So Much The Better".  To learn more about Megan and her book, visit her website: http://meganmeansauthor.com/.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair review as part of the CWA 
Review Crew.

 

Book Review: Perfumed Letters by Robin T. Smith

Book Description:  Every woman knows how special it is to select just the right perfume…and how a scent can capture an experience or evoke a memory like nothing else.   In Perfumed Letters, Robin Smith offers a refreshing spiritual revelation regarding the intimacy of perfume, known as a woman’s anointing. She uses powerful, evocative images from the Bible and life experiences to illustrate how God refines, presses, and fashions our individual scents as pleasing to the Lord.

Discover: 

• Are you a concrete, absolute or an essential oil?
• Fragrances that attract blessing and repel favor.
• The purpose and influence of a Perfumed Letter.
• How God uses fragrance to remember His covenant with you.
• Your signature fragrance in Christ… and so much more!

With writing that is fragrant with His word, love and experience, Robin gives a unique perspective on the ways in which each woman is fashioned in the aroma of His Spirit--important and valuable to Him, written as His Perfumed Letter.

My Review:  Perfumed Letters by Robin T. Smith is as unique as it is charismatic.  It's a refreshing look at a Christian based 'self help' book that begs you to take a closer look at your life based on our personal "fragrance."  By that, I do not mean that we smell - good and/or bad!  We each have a perfumed stamp on life, an anointed oil if you will, that becomes part of who we are.  The scent or trail of a person can be defined in ways such as our actions, our thoughts, our behaviors. 
From anger to bitterness and resentment to elated and euphoric - it's all covered in this creatively written book!

I love that the author opens the book with the positive note that we are put on this earth to bless someone else. This book is about finding our purpose, our way, our spiritual anointing.  It's full of
scriptural references so it helps to have a bible nearby for easy passage searching (unless you know them all by heart!)  My favorite part was by far the glossary of exclusive fragrance reviews!
She breaks down the women of the bible into 'fragrance' categories ~  need to know where Herodias stands?  What scent was Rahab?  What about the Woman at the Well as mentioned in the book of John? 

While this book didn't seem to have an overall flow through-out, it was certainly expressive and creative.  The author speaks from the heart and writes in a way that makes me sense she would be wonderful to hear speak in person.  I am sure there would be plenty of thought provoking statements, laughter and a message we would all enjoy. 


About the Author:   Robin Smith was born on March 24, 1982 in Centreville, Illinois. She is a single mother with one young son and currently in her 12th year of active duty service to the United States Air Force. A graduate of Cahokia High School, Robin is working on a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with Ashford University. In addition to motherhood, duty, and education, she is pursuing certification as an Etiquette Instructor in St. Louis, Missouri. A bit of an adrenaline junkie, when she is not writing, she is involved in traveling, hiking, and archery indoor rock climbing.

 

 

Book review by:

Kelly Santi for CWA Review Crew

 

 

 

  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  

 

Book Review: Journey of Hope by Debbie Kaufman

 

Book Description:  Escaping a society wedding, Annabelle Baldwin followed her heart to Liberia to pursue her calling as a missionary.  But when an attempted kidnapping lands her under the protection of Stewart Hastings, Anna's journey takes a new turn.  The wounded war veteran needs a guide through the jungle. It's a job the underfunded missionary can't refuse, despite the feelings Stewart stirs in her guarded heart.

Stewart knows he won't succeed without Anna's expertise.  And when dangers puts her life at risk, he realizes he cannot live without Anna by his side.  But what will it take for a man who has lost his faith to capture the heart of the woman who lives for hers?

My Review:  This book is breathtakingly written in the rarest form of elegance and skill!  It's a refreshing journey into the Christian aspect of romance ~ pure and fresh and all things wonderful.  This is my first novel by author Debbie Kaufman and her poignant writing style keeps the reader at the comfortable pace. It's full of charismatic, cheerful and uplifting words, written to sooth the reader of God's divine goodness in all ways of our world, good or bad.

The book starts out with a page turning near abduction of Anna - the book's heroine and crusader of the jungles with her missionary work to bring hope and faith to those in need.  Her near abduction from two chloroform yielding thugs puts Stewart right into her path at the right time ~ he can not only not forget her plite, but he's drawn to her in ways even he can't explain at first.  He is twice wounded - once at war and once by his fiancé who couldn't deal with his horrific war wounds and called off their engagement.  However, he needs to Anna's help and as she returns to the jungles, he becomes her guide and the pair intend to 'help each other.'  They battle the dangers of the Leopard men tribes, small factions of people that do not like outsiders and send strong warnings to those who dare to enter their territories and most importantly, the dangers of daring to love again.

Journey of Hope fulfills it's expectations of a phenomenal Christian view of romance in it's purity of prose, standards of loving God first and foremost and having a vision of your purpose in life. Falling in love along the way is definitely the added bonus!  Into this tale the author weaves in messages of hope and faith sustained, even in the toughest of times.  God our Savior remains with us during our hardest battles and times of trials, even when we might believe He has forsaken us.  The author brings home the beauty and strength for Christian romance! 

5 well deserved stars!

 

You can read more about the author here:

http://www.debbiekaufman.com/
 

 

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  

 

Book Review: Faith - Joseph's Story

At the age of seventeen, Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob, faces the wrath of jealousy, hatred, and deceit from his own brothers. He is thrust into a world of slavery, lust, and power. Joseph experiences a culture so different from his own that he must adapt quickly just to survive. He learns to trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and be content in the difficult circumstances that challenge him far too often.

Narrated by Joseph, Faith—Joseph’s Story communicates the power of this young man’s faith—faith that began in the midst of a plot to murder him and ends with his rise to power in Egypt. It shows the perseverance one must find to overcome the negative experiences that happen in life, and it provides a testament to the importance of placing complete faith and trust in God.

With Bible study materials and a leader’s guide included, Faith—Joseph’s Story tells how, from the depths of a pit, to the darkness of prison, to the grandeur of a palace, a young man remains committed to God’s divine plan.

My Review:  Faith, Joseph's Story by Sandra Lea Hardage is one of the most inclusive and detailed bible study books I've ever had the joy of reading.  Her knowledge, writing style and bible study are among the very finest due to her exceptional wisdom and views!

From the opening line "I am Joseph", the author brilliantly steps into the role, and life of, Joseph and tells his story.  His love of his family, faith, and trials and tribulations are told from his point of view.  There is no doubt, Sandra Hardage knows the bible!  

What I found most effective in addition to the 9 inspirational chapters is the incredibly thought provoking bible study guide. It's not a small section at the end of the book - it's half of the book!  It's broken down into graphs, questions and answers, areas for personal reflection and reflective bible verses, as well as a helpful Leader's Guide.  

One of the BEST faith based books on the market!  I'm blessed to have had the opportunity to receive this book.  It will stay among my very top favorites.

About the Author:  Sandra Lea Hardage, an Arkansas native, is an educator, Bible teacher, and founder of the online ministry, My Journey of Faith. She has taught Joseph’s story many times, including an online study of Genesis. She continues to teach via video for Connected! Online Bible Study, found at www.myjourneyoffaith.com

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Book Review: Clothed in Thunder

Book Description:  After sitting through a 4-H demonstration on the evolution of the horse, Rosie and Carrie are determined to present the arguments for creation at the club’s next meeting. The demonstration proves harder to put together than they imagined as everyone offers the girls their opinions. The lessons Rosie learns about creation extend into her life in surprising ways as she faces her old adversary, Billy King, who cheated her out of her first trophy with her pony, Scamper.

You cannot pick up a non-fiction horse book today without reading about the evolution of the horse. The images showing the progression of eohippus, merychippus, etc. into modern equus are constantly portrayed as though they are fact.Clothed With Thunder presents the other side of the story - that horses are magnificent creatures meticulously designed by an awesome and loving God.

My Book Review:  Vicki Watson has done it again!  The 3rd installment of the Sonrise Stable horse themed book series  not only delights but it surpasses with an exuberance for reading! Clothed with Thunder is a children's book with a christian theme base and centralized around the love of two friends, Carrie and Rosie, and their united love of horses.   They live with their doting grandma who shows them unconditional love and relationship that heals and mends and is based on an level of faith that children can understand and follow along.  In this installment of the book, the girls hear a presentation at their 4-H club that gets them to thinking about the process of critical thinking between evolution and creaiton.  They are determined to show that their beloved ponies were a creation from the Heavenly Father!   They show a beautiful spirit through-out and their determination and courage is evident in these young girls, proving once again that our foundation of passing on the baton of faith begins at home and at a young age!!

IMHO,  it helps to have read the first two books in this installment as they have a continuation theme through-out and the overall flow of the book is better knowing the backgrounds. However, this book, should it be the only one you are able to read in the series, still stands firmly on it's own and is remarkable in it's own rights.  What a charming, fantastic children's book - I"m proud to have this series grace the bookshelf of my son, who is 8!  Yes, it's for girls and boys and a beautiful life lesson for all ages.

Learn more about the author and series:  http://www.sonrisestable.com/

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  

Reviewed by:  Kelly Santi